The Social Security Number (SSN) was created in 1936 as a nine-digit account number....for the purpose of administering the Social Security laws. SSNs were first intended for use exclusively by the federal government as a means of tracking earnings to determine the amount of Social Security taxes to credit to each worker's account.

It's since become a nearly universal identification number and a handy tool for identity thieves. Meaning the release of those numbers is a big deal, and those whose numbers have been widely distributed are justifiably worried about incurring related losses and headaches in the future.

The outrage is not that the SSN is so widely used.

Sure, if we could rewind the clock 70 years and severely restrict its use we would. But it's too late to be outraged about that.

No, the outrage is that public and private protection against fraudulent use of SSNs has not kept pace with technology; that companies are still so slack about confirming identities that this simple number -- a number that really is all over the place for those who know where and how to look -- is a still useful tool for crooks.

The best thing that could possibly happen would be for the dam to burst utterly on the SSN; for every last person in America to find his or her SSN posted on the Internet for anyone to access.

Then everyone would immediately stop relying on it to validate anything; a credit agency, bank or doctor's office would no more accept an SSN for identification than it would a telephone number. Access to records and credit and all that would then have to rely on other, more verifiable means.

The underlying question here, I think, is whether there should be some sort of national identity card or other uniform system for verifying identity. Personally, I'm ambivalent about that. There has to be some sort of consistent, effective defense against fraud; on the other hand, a national ID smacks of totalitarianism.

But we need unique identifiers - and since the system is already set up to issue them, why not just go with it. Imagine the pain of getting a loan for a new car without a way for all of the agencies involved to agree on which John Smith was making the application...

Part of the issue is that, unlike all other forms of ID numbers, the SSN can't be changed. If someone steals your SSN, they have it forever. My employer switched from using the SSN as an ID to their own numbering system. Perhaps its time for businesses to just stop using it.

I agree and I wish the government (not sure if it would have to be federal or each state) would take a simple step to make it happen. Pass a law that knowing someone's SSN cannot be used as evidence of consent by that person for any legal purpose. For example, a company trying to collect a debt could not argue that you must have been the person who applied for credit because you gave your SSN any more than it now could argue that it must have been you because you gave your name.

SSN is an identifier. It is not a password. We should not be held responsible for credit that someone issued on the assumption that it is one. If you cannot prove it was me a different way, eat the loss.

You know what's even more outrageous? That potential employers use your social security number to run a CREDIT report! What business is it of an employer to know whether or not I have outstanding medical debt or if I have filed for bankruptcy? My credit, good or bad, has NOTHING to do with whether or not I will be a good employee. I wish this practice was outlawed.

About "Change of Subject."

"Change of Subject" by Chicago Tribune op-ed columnist Eric Zorn contains observations, reports, tips, referrals and tirades, though not necessarily in that order. Links will tend to expire, so seize the day. For an archive of Zorn's latest Tribune columns click here. An explanation of the title of this blog is here. If you have other questions, suggestions or comments, send e-mail to ericzorn at gmail.com.
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Contributing editor Jessica Reynolds is a 2012 graduate of Loyola University Chicago and is the coordinator of the Tribune's editorial board. She can be reached at jreynolds at tribune.com.